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Sales and profits rise at Creightons

Creightons, the English toiletries and beauty specialist, had a good first half with the six months to September 30 seeing sales rising but profits rising much faster.

Creightons

The firm’s total revenue rose 7.3% to £16.7 million while the operating profit margin of 5.8% was up from 5.1% a year ago and that led to pre-tax profit rising 21% to £956,000.

Its sales rise was a result of both existing customers ordering more and new customers discovering the firm’s products. In the first six months of the financial year, sales of its branded products through existing customers, new export markets and on-going development of licensed brands have risen 12%.

The latest set of results come after he company also reported strong figures six months ago. In June it said that revenue was up almost 50% and operating profits almost trebled. But those impressive figures came after it had earlier relaunched key brands, acquired a new business and further expanded its reach into export markets.

While the latest six months might look like a slowdown compared to all that, it’s actually a natural effect as the comparisons with its earlier growth spurt become tougher.

But the company is clearly still on a growth curve. And its strategy of focusing on winning and extending business with key UK retailers that are growing their personal care and beauty market share certainly appears to be paying off.